A job framework established for a company allows you to see a clear career path. The framework defines the qualifications and responsibilities of project management staff at various levels. Managers use this information to create job descriptions, help employees plan their careers and conduct performance assessments. A typical progression starts with the job title project assistant, followed by project coordinator, project administrator, project manager and culminating with project director. As employees get promoted, they take on additional responsibilities.

Qualifications

A project assistant role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Usually, one to three years of office work is preferred. To gain experience for this job, do volunteer work or participate in school or community projects. A project Administrator job usually requires a bachelor's degree and three years of experience. For complex project environments, a master's degree in business administration or extensive project management experience is preferred. Project administrators may require additional certification. The Project Management Institute offers several project management credentials. It also publishes the Project Management Body of Knowledge to guide project management professions.

Expertise

Project assistants usually have basic skills in using office applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. You must have good communication skills, such as writing, listening and speaking. In addition to these skills, at the project administrator level, additional skills in planning, negotiating and influencing are important. Both roles require strong organizational skills and the ability to focus on multiple tasks at the same time. Additionally, project administrators typically define the tools, templates and techniques used in the company's project initiation, planning, development, monitoring and execution, and closing.

Job Responsibilities

A project assistant typically provides general administrative support to projects, under the direction of more experienced project management professionals. Project assistants help produce proposals, plans and reports. They organize and maintain project files and databases. They might assist with monitoring the project budget, scheduling meetings and preparing presentations. Project administrators develop policies and procedures. They oversee the activities of project assistants and collaborate with superiors to develop plans and evaluate progress.

Leadership

Project assistants work with clients and customers to solve daily business problems. They perform a tactical function and may be the first point of contact for all project communication. Project administrators perform a more strategic role by establishing procedures, motivating subordinates, implementing process improvement projects and building relationships with stakeholders and sponsors. Project administrators also check for errors and manage risk so projects achieve their expected outcomes.

About the Author

Tara Duggan is a Project Management Professional (PMP) specializing in knowledge management and instructional design. For over 25 years she has developed quality training materials for a variety of products and services supporting such companies as Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq and HP. Her freelance work is published on various websites.